Rat

rat, n. (Zool.) One of several species of rodent mammals, larger than mice, that infest houses, stores, and ships. One who deserts his party or a ociates; among printers, one who works at le than established prices. — v. i. [ratted, -ting.] (Eng. Poli-; tics.) To desert one's former party or a ociates from interested motives. To work at le than est abs ell i shed prices.— Rats'bane, n. Poison for rats; arsenious acid.— Rat 'ten, v. t. [-tened (-tend), -tening.] To injure and carry away the tools, etc., of (a work- In man obnoxious to a trades' union, etc.).